Sunday, 30 December 2012

Hope you all had a good few days over Xmas and if it was anything like mine you'll be needing to crash out to recover! So for my last 2012 post heres some chilled out soul and jazz to lay back to!

Kicks off with songs from a couple of 60's Soul stars in Bobby Wade and Lee Williams, includes some mellow jazz from the Minority Band and the First Cousins Jazz Ensemble, disco queen Vicki Sue Robinson gets soulful and finishes with prolific jazz drummer Jimmy Cobb on a track featuring Gregory Hines on vocals.

Thursday, 27 December 2012

My last post for 2012, and it seems fitting to take a peek into what's coming up for 2013, while at the same time giving you a brand new mix for any New Year celebration soundtracks you need!

Cover star Bilal has an eagerly waited (At least by us!) LP coming out in the new year, and we get the excellent soul groove of "Back to Love" from it as well as a great cover of Stevie's "Too High" from his recently released mixtape.

There are a couple more covers on here too; A great re-work of "Last Night Changed it all" from the Love Loungers and another remake of one of my favourite songs ever made, "Black Gold of the Sun". True, there are many versions of it, and I didnt really need another, but the version by the Decoders has something fresh to bring to the song, and I love its Latin feel.

Monday, 24 December 2012

My last 'Niceness' mix of 2012 and as usual its 10 more rare groove and forgotten soul gems from the 70's and 80's.

Starts off with vocal version of a Jazz Funk classic from Ned Doheny, includes San Franciso soulfunk don- Darondo, ex Stax man LV Johnson, a gem from Delegation, the Stax connection continues with a 70's stepper from the Barkays and topped off with an early outing for Bobby Nunn with 60's duo Bob N Gene.

I hope Santa brings eveything you mixtapers want. Mr S will be back after the turkey and I'll catch you next week for something to wind down to.

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Some real quality LP's released this year, though the big news in my opinion was the resurgence of Jazz. Artists like Darryl Reeves, Gregory Porter, Diggs Duke and others really brought back that Jazz flavour weve been missing for a moment now.There were decent releases from named artists, and the independents released quality music all year round; If your a soul music fan, you need to do some digging on Bandcamp and Soundcloud for those new artists with the talent that major labels have decided to ignore.

Also; Seriously, wheres that D'Angelo LP?????

Anyhow, with no more hesitation, here are my list of the best LP's of the year, in no particualr order save for the No.1 spot.

10. Positive Flow - Flow Line

A late entry into my list, this LP is gonna get comparisons to a 4Hero work. Including vocal talent from Omar to Stacy Epps, Colonel Red, Vanessa Freeman, Andre Espeut, Heidi Vogel (Cinematic Orchestra), the LP encompasses various styles from Galactic Soul, Jazz, House, funk and more. "Children of the Sun" is a tribute to Rotary Connection (as is "Tapestries of the mind") and is one of the years best; Omar blesses two tunes, "My Prediction being a killer; "The Quest" is 4Hero love all the way with its soulful groove and spoken word vocals; Almost took my number 1 spot, has the quality that makes it a contender, and Tokyo Dawn Records and the UK's own Jesse Reuben Wilson should be proud. Essential.

9. Karriem Riggins - Alone Together

Not since Dilla's DONUTS have I enjoyed what is essentially a beat tape so much. I do it a disservice actually; This LP (A combination of previously released EP's) is a black music soundscape. Karriem, multi-instrumentalist and successful producer, takes us through Hip Hop Grooves, Soulful melodies, Latin shufflers with no track lasting more than a couple of mins. Thats why there's 34 tunes. Karriem intersperses the beats with his much sought after drum work, keys and even harpsichord and leaves you wanting more than the snippets of tunes he provides. Those snippets together though, they make a terrific whole.

8. Diggs Duke - Gravity/Black Gold/Mass Exodus

Cheat number 1. These are a set of EP's that Diggs started releasing late last year and throughout 2012.The first, Gravity, includes the soulful, drum laced "Epic Lie", and used to include the Jazzy "Black & Blue" (Which looks like its been withdrawn to feature in a future project); Black Gold has the stunning "Something in my soul" and the rhythmic "Black Gold"; The two Mass Exodus EP's released recently have heavily featured on our street sounds mixes.As previously mentioned, multi-instrumentalist Diggs has been at the forefront of this years Jazz revival I believe, but he crosses over into soul and funk to make even the most Jazz-Phobic people appreciate his work. A major Label should snap this dude up quick time. You heard it here first!

7. Dwele - Greater than One

I have alot of love for Dwele. I remember first hearing those bootlegs and the self released "Rize"; And when he signed to Virgin and released the great LP "Subject" I couldnt help but be over the moon. Like Diggs, a multi instumentalist and composer with his own sound. Subsequent LP's have included great tunes but did not hit me as hard as those original LP's. So I put on Greater than One with a little trepidation, especially as i liked, but didn't love, first release "What profit". Then the two mins of "Greater than One" hit me, reminding me of those 2 min joints on his first releases."Going Leaving", in my opinion, ranks up there with his best work. Real lyrics around the break up of his relationship due to the fact that his partner wanted children, which scared him, is grown folks music. "Swank" starts off in Rare Groove/Stepper territory before moving into a mid tempo Dwele Groove. And then there's "Frankly my Dear" which is the best slow jam he has produced in a while with a soulful groove and lyrics like "I didn't know you had a man, till I checked your Facebook Page". A Real return to form.

6. Angie Stone - Rich Girl

And if we're talking return to form, then lets talk about Angie Stone. Angie, I love you, but I dont know who made you sit on a motorcycle for the cover of your last LP "Unexpected", or made you record tunes aimed for the pop market, but I didnt like it at all. Rich Girl, however, I like. Setting out your stall with the intro "Real Music", tracks such as the Mahogany Soul-like (My fave Angie LP BTW) "Do what you gotta do" and "Alright" remind us why we love you. And then there's "First Time" which is up there with your best work. Welcome back Angie, I missed you for a moment there.

5. Jarrard Anthony - Ready to Live

You want a great "Real R&B" LP? No autotune, euro pop influence, but still fun? This is your LP, trust me. Running off the blocks with a great mid tempo soul tune "Lucky Day", it follows it up with the Joe/Ryan Leslie sounding "Never see her again". Old school is represented with the shuffling "Something like love" and the Lonnie Liston Smith guesting cover of that Weldon Irvine classic "I Love you". "Cloud 10" is a stepper the Neo-Soul crowd loved back in the noughties; With other guests the like of Darien and Eric Roberson, you know what you've got here. A great modern R&B/Soul LP from a man whose released some good work before, but has finally made an LP to shout about.

4. The Sunburst Band - The Secret Life of Us

Joey Negro, founder and overseer of this congregation of great session musicians, has created another great addition to their celebration of all things 70's,80's and boogie. From the mashup of 80's electro (Sampling Davy DMX's "One for the treble") and Jazz stylings with "Jazz the DMX"; "The Secret Life of Us" recalls Chic; "opus de soul" brings the jazz funk/boogie Weekender sound and "Love One Another" is like a lost track on an early 80's rare groove LP. Added to this the fact that the Japanese Version unites the Band with one of my favorite's, THE REBIRTH, and you've got a mighty addition to this years best LP's.

3. Ralf Gum - Never Leaves you

A big name in the Soulful House scene, Ralf's been DJ'ing since the early 90's; As a producer, he's worked with notable artists as Monique Bingham, Robert Owens, Kenny Bobien & Caron Wheeler; He released his first artist album titled 'Uniting Music' in 2008 and this is his follow up; Tune after tune of that deep, soulful house that I love and always try to convince the "Soul-Heads" to get into. And how could they not, with vocals on here courtesy of the aforementioned trio plus others, its a real showcase of quality. The best Soulful House LP Ive heard this year.

2. Visioneers - Hipology

Marc Mac gives us a history lesson via his ensemble of musicians (similar to Joey Negro's Sunburst Band), showing us where Hip Hop came from musically, where it met 70's and 80's Soul and Jazz. "Come Play in the Milky Night" is like a Jazz Funk version of a Dilla Beat; Cover versions of "Shaft in Africa" (Sampled by Jay Z) and "Apache" (Sampled by many back in the day!) are respectful; "Luanne from Harlem" is Latin Soul at its finest, but where's the Hip Hop Connection? Check the old school beat that pops up around the 1:10 mark; "Swahililand" is a beautiful Jazz funk instramental and "Ice cream on my kicks" is head nodding funk. Best LP Cover of the year too! Essential purchase.

BONUS EP. Joanna Borromeo - Through the Dark EP

Cheat No.2 - I'm adding this EP in because its just so good. "Burn" is a mellow soul tune of the highest quality with great use of horns; "Through the Night" is one of the years best tracks. The sort of folky soul tune you get from the aforementioned Marc Mac in his 4Hero guise, its string and horn laden and reminicent of the great Minnie Ripperton; "Save my Soul" is almost Sade-like to these ears. All 5 tunes are of the highest quality and you need to seek this out!

and so on to the years best LP...........................

1.Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio

Led the pack early this year and just couldnt be beat. Momentum kept up by the Black Radio REMIXED EP released later in the year that im including in the no.1 spot (Cheat No.3). If your reading this blog, youve got this already. What can I say? Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Bilal helping to cover Bowie, Lalah Hathaway helping to cover Sade, Mos Def commenting on the state of Black Radio and Pete Rock remixing it for the EP, 9th Wonder and Phonte, Ledisi, Meshell Ndegeocello, Questlove, KING's ethereal vocals on "Move Love"; The talent on this great LP is unquestionable. And its all topped off with Roberts beautiful Keyboard playing and arrangements. LP of the year no doubt.

Picking a top 10 was no easy feat this year. I cant consciously post it without the following LP's getting a name check. These are all well worth a purchase (and your support too!)

Special Mentions:

DivaGeek - He said, She said

Just missing out on my top 10, Ben and Vula have been around for a while but this is their first LP; and its hot. Mixing soul, funk, and electronica with a uniquely UK bent, they have developed their own style; "Go Hard" is a head nodder; "He said, She said" rides on a galactic soul vibe thats all about synths and soulful vocals; "Cant take the heat" is too short, coming over like a D'angelo Joint; "Hangin' Wid U" sounds like 1980's THE SYSTEM; There's even a version of the much covered "I cant help it" by Mr Jackson that actually brings something new to the track. 15 tunes showcasing a real talent. Dont let this LP get slept on!

Gregory Porter - Be Good

The LP I'm having issues about not being in the top 10, a great traditional Jazz LP. Gregory's excellent vocals ride along uptempo Jazz "On my way to Harlem" to beautiful souful tunes like "When did you Learn". Raises your soul on each listen, a must purchase if your jazz inclined in the slightest.

So, all in all, a quality year for those soulful LP's and I hope weve pointed you in the direction of some good music to listen to this year. That's the last of my review posts for the year, next week we will be looking to 2013. (And asking the question again.....WHERE'S THAT DAMN D'ANGELO LP???)

Grizz back soon, let me take this opportunity to wish you all happy holidays from the Soul Mixtape. Oh, and dont forget to download our top LP mix below!!

Sunday, 16 December 2012

'Tis the party season so here's something for all you guys who prefer their parties old school and choc full of classic jazz funk and 80's weekender nuggets- its a Soul Weekender Classics mix.

Ten tunes from the days of the Soul Boys and Girls, the Soul Mafia and the occasional Southern UK holiday camp taken over by Soul and Jazz Funk aficionado's. Includes 80's floorfillers from Herbie Hancock, LAX, Skyy, Mass Production and Weldon Irvine. So sneak this onto your party playlist and educate your guests on how we got down 30 odd years ago!

Back with my penultimate 2012 mix next week after Mr S carries on reviewing the best of the year.

Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Welcome to the first part of our Best of 2012 posts. This year, weve split our review into two; Part one will focus on picks from both current artists and my own picks with previews of some of our choices for you all to sample. Next week we will have the annual Top 10 LP's of the year for you to peruse, agree or disagree with, and maybe hunt down with some of those vouchers you got this holiday season!

So, without futher ado, lets introduce you to the artists who have kindly agreed to share their thought on 2012 musically.

Angela Johnson started out as part of the great Cooly's Hot Box before going solo with the awesome LP's They Do not Know (2002) and Got To Let It Go (2005) and A Woman's Touch Vol.1 (2008). Last year she released a great remix LP of some of her classic tunes. Similarly, Teri Tobin released a great debut LP Love Infinity (2011) and currently has So Good to me (2012) on release. Rhonda Thomas has been with us for a while now, from her debut EP Rhonda (1999), through various excellent LP's, a founding member of great Soulful Jazz group Jiva, to her current Xmas release Little Drummer Girl (2012).

Diggs Duke. Do we really have to fill you in on this dude? He's been all over the blog over the last year, and anyhow, we will be talking about him in detail next week. (Hint Hint) SoulPersona, producer/remixer/artist. Soulacoaster (2009) was an absolute corker of an LP, and this UK based artist has kept himself busy remixing and producing artists like Princess Freesia since. Sherry Davis is also UK based, one of our future bright stars who released this Omar produced corker this year, a definite entry in my tunes of the year list!

And finally, Mic Murphy and David Frank of the System. You dont know who these legend's are? Type "the system" in our search box at the top of the page and read up on our ARTISTS post and GREAT PRODUCERS post.

So lets get on with Question 1:

2012 has not been a bad year for Soul and Jazz music. Can you tell us about your
pick for LP of the year?Soulpersona: To be honest I don't really listen
to music from the present as most of the stuff in my collection is from the 70's
and 80's! My mate Nick Van Gelder released a great album called "Groovitas" as
did Princess Freesia with her self produced "The Rainbow Ride" which is a
wonderful album. Sherry Davis: The best albums of the year for me have
been Alex Clare, The Lateness of The Hour, Jessie Ware Devotion and my old fave
Anthony Hamilton's Back to Love. I love the fact that Anthony stays true to his
old school soul roots and I can't get enough of his smoky vocals. Jessie and
Alex have broken a lot of ground in the UK Soul Scene and they are bringing in a
Nu Soul Vibe which I find exciting.

Diggs Duke: I can say, without a
doubt, that Hiatus Kaiyote's "Tawk Tomahawk" was my favorite album of the year.
They were able to successfully translate all of their influences into a cohesive
sound. I like almost every song on the album and the lead singer, Naipalm, has
a great voice. Teri Tobin: It's tie for me. Robert Glasper - Black
Radio and Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Not
sure about album of the year but I really really like Eric Benet's Harriet
Jones....I also like Wale/ Miguel. Lotus Flower and generally Frank Ocean. There
are more but those come to mind.

Rhonda Thomas: Gregory Porter's "Be
Good" is unapologetically jazz at a time when so many others are moving away
from the genre. His live performance is refreshing and honest. I've seen him
perform with a pianist, upright bass, drummer, sax and trombone and completely
whoo the audience. Angela Johnson: That would be difficult for me.
There's a lot of beautiful music out there that I haven't heard, but heard
about. If I can give you honourable mentions...
I'm really digging Miguel's,
"Kaleidoscope Dream". His style and his approach is nothing new, but something
about it is refreshing. He's creating his own lane. Eric Roberson's, "Mister
Nice Guy" and Anthony David's "Love Out Loud" are excellent LPs! They always put
out quality music and continue to raise the bar.

Well, the Soul Mixtape will be announcing their choices for LP of the year next week, but lets give you a preview of one of the tunes on one of those LP's now...... an absolute corker that starts off in a jazzy rare groove steppers mode before coming with the Neo Soul.....

Question 2:

Of all the songs you've heard this year, which ones stand out as something
special?

Soulpersona: I try not to think like that as I make so much
music myself every day, so i'm pretty content... Plus as mentioned above my
knowledge of modern day music knowledge is limited!

Sherry Davis: I
absolutely love Never the Right Time by Cleo Sol. When I heard it I downloaded
it immediately! It's so girly and attitude-ish! The perfect song to strut down
the street to. I met her in a studio and was like, Omigod, I love your song! And
then I ran over and sang it to her. Haha.

Diggs Duke: Bilal sings a
David Bowie tune called "Letter to Hermione" on Robert Glasper's "Black Radio"
album. It was a very special rendition. I think Bilal is as good as any singer
in history.

Mic Murphy (THE
SYSTEM): Feel So Close by Alex Clare ; I Wont Give Up by Jason Mraz; The James
Bond Theme (SoulNRnB: Can you imagine The System doing a Bond Theme?!?
WOW)

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): Wow what a question. I'm happy for whoever
did the songs that I like. I'm not the jealous type....except from a number of
Years ago..."One thing" by Amerie....how original was that...to my ears
anyway.

Angela Johnson: Miguel's "Adorn", hands down!! I've love that
track and I wished I had written and produced it. It's so slick!

So here's Angela's pick that I really dug too;

And here's another pick of mine, the Pharrell produced Frank Ocean monster:

Question 3:

Whose music has most influenced you and your work?

Soulpersona : There's
no one artist that influences me, there's a whole load of them. Freddie Hubbard,
Marvin Gaye, Roy Ayers, Patrice Rushen, Kleeer, The Salsoul Orchestra and many,
many more... I'd have to give Jocelyn Brown a special mention though as she sang
either lead or background vocals on many of the tracks back in the day that I
love.

Sherry Davis: There are so many. Vocally I have to say Mariah.
Other than that, it's Diana Ross, Jill Scott, Michael and Janet Jackson,
D'Angelo...I could really bore you with the amount of influences I have. I love
film music also and try to incorporate that into my sound. Classic Composers
like Karl Jenkins, John Barry and Hans Zimmer are my heroes. Nowadays I'm
getting into the 70's soul and funk too. Betty Davis, Isaac Hayes, Black
Merda...am I boring you yet?

Diggs Duke: Duke Ellington is by far the
biggest influence on my music. He paid great attention to detail when arranging
his music. There was never any fluff.

Teri Tobin: I have an eclectic
taste in music and artists that inspired and influenced me along the way. Donny
Hathaway is always at the top of my list. Marvin. Prince. Luther. Stevie.

Rhonda
Thomas: Al Jarreau's vocal stylings are almost visual. He dances with his voice.
I love vocal acrobatics and use a lot of percussive/scat elements when I sing.

Angela Johnson: Quite a few artists come to mind that have influenced me
in different stages of my life and career. The artist that stands out most would
be Michael Jackson. All around, his dedication to his art and his commitment to
music was incomparable!

Well, if were talking influences, then the Isley Brothers have a special place in my love for music. So, as its Xmas, lets hear an Isley Brothers Christmas tune, one of my favorites, thats gone way under the radar.

Question 4:

Were all about new talent too at the Soul Mixtape, so can you give us a heads up
on who we should be keeping an ear open for musically?

Soulpersona:
There's a keys player called Carl Hudson that's putting out an instrumental
jazz/funk/soul album on my label Digisoul next year. It's one of the best albums
i've ever heard.

Sherry Davis: My new EP is out in the new year, so look
out for that! I would also say keep an eye out for Daley, who is currently
blowing up with his new single Remember Me feat. Jessie J. He's an amazing
artist and is incredibly flawless live. I would deffo encourage
soul/funk/r&b lovers to get out to the local soul nights, there's an insane
amount of talent out there that doesn't always get to radio.

Diggs Duke:
There are too many and I don't want to single any of them out right now. I'm
always talking about other people's music on Twitter, and I have a very
extensive playlist of music from all over the world, modern and classic, on my
YouTube channel. (http://www.youtube.com/diggsduke)

Angela
Johnson: Unfortunately, I've been out of pocket with all the new talent coming
out. I have to do some catching up. When I do find new talent, I'm sometimes the
last to know...LOL... I'm in the studio day in, day out, working on my new
material. (SoulNRnB: You can remedy that! I recommend you download a few Street
Sound mixes Angela! Your one stop shop for new talent!)

New Talent Eh? How about this great tune from Kameron Korvet that sounds like 90's Toni Toni Tone mixed with Chucki Booker/Troop? The lyrics are naughty in a way that Brian McKnight's cringeworthy "ifyouready2learn" could only hope to emulate...
Or this brilliant version of Aaliyah's "More than a woman" from slept on Mark De-Clive Lowe and Nia Andrews, talent in abundance...

sfsffsfsf

Question 5:

Finally, what does 2013 hold in store for us with regards to you? Is there any
new music or live shows forthcoming?

Soulpersona: No shows at present,
but i've got a new album coming in January 2013 called "Soulperfreesia" it's
another collaboration with my favorite artist to work with Princess Freesia.
There will be another Soulpersona album in the Spring, and i'll also be
finishing off a raregroove album i'm producing for Jocelyn Brown. All will be
available from my label www.digisoulmusic.comSherry
Davis: My next show is on 22nd December at XOYO and I'm really really really
excited about my new EP which is out in early 2013, so keep your eyes peeled for
the release date : )

Diggs Duke: I'm going to be playing live a bunch.
There is a show scheduled at Drom in New York City on February 10, 2013. I'm
very excited about it because I know some excellent musicians up there and it
will surely be an awesome performance. I will be putting my debut LP out on a
prestigious European indie label next year, as well. Lastly, I'm working on
forming an orchestra to play my music and the music of some of my more talented
peers. I have a lot to look forward to right now. Check out http://diggsduke.bandcamp.com/

Teri Tobin: Currently I'm working on an EP that is untitled, but we hope
to have that released in the latter part of the 1st Quarter (2013). We are also
looking to bring the live show abroad and especially to the UK! The fans and
radio have been so supportive since the release of my first full-length
project. Also on my wishlist is....Brazil....South Africa. So be on the look
out for those announcements. The best place to stay connected to be kept
abreast of tours, releases, etc is http://facebook.com/teritobin .

David Frank (THE SYSTEM): As above, The new system album will be out
and we intend on touring. more details soon.

Rhonda Thomas: I'm excited
to announce the release of my Christmas CD "Little Drummer Girl". My duet with
Eric Roberson on the song "Mistletoe" is one of the highlights of the CD. One of
my other favorite's is a duet with Alex Lattimore "Baby It's Cold Outside". I
can't wait for you to hear it. My CD release concert is 12/21/12 at SW Arts
Center in Atlanta. You can hear the music at www.rhondasings.com.

Angela
Johnson: I'm cranking out another solo project in 2013 which I'm really excited
about! I've also been putting ideas together for a children's record. Lately,
I've been working with a 11yr old singer from Brooklyn and it's been an
incredible experience. I'm still growing in this game and it feels good to know
that I haven't peaked yet! :) (SoulNRnB: Check out Angela's Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/angelajohnson.music?ref=ts&fref=ts
)

And that's it. Just a little more space to highlight a couple more tunes to check out.

Slow jam of last year, for me, was Daley featuring Marsha Ambrosius "Alone Together", this year its this: Tweet.
And Conya Doss made a return with this great song

And Finally, this great remix of Jose James "Its all over your Body";

There are so many more great tunes released this year. Check out our street sounds sessions mixes to find out what was hot in 2012. A BIG THANK YOU to the contributing artists for thier selections, we hope they made interesting reading and maybe pointed you in a direction of a tune or two.

As previously mentioned, Best LP's of the year next week, and to get you in the mood heres the last couple of years choices in one handy package. Download, enjoy, and see you back here next week for this years picks!

Sunday, 9 December 2012

The tinsels all over the living room, the weathers lousy and my bank balance is taking a hammering... can only mean one thing- Its Christmas!! As is usual at this time of December heres another 10 Soul tinged xmas tunes to help you avoid the usual dirge of music brought out around the end of every year.

Including big hitters like Rotary Connection, Al Green, The Temps, some xmas reggae from Freddie Mcgregor, Stevie Wonder and a Marvin rariety.

I'll be back with something to help your xmas party go with a rare groove bang and the big elf himself- Mr S is beavering away at his end of 2012 treats.

Wednesday, 5 December 2012

Christmas Officially starts here. Grizz has his annual Xmas mix coming up at the start of next week, and here's my monthly White Label mix, albeit with a yuletide bent.

The usual rare, unreleased and generally slept on soulful tunes from all era's and soulful genre's; Only this time its interspersed with some great Xmas tunes that you may or may not be aware of!A great mix to put on whilst your getting the Turkey ready or putting the tree up, as will be Grizz's forthcoming treat!

Im back next week with part one of The Soul Mixtape's Review of 2012. DONT MISS IT. Its a treat!

Sunday, 2 December 2012

Its December already and we kick off the holiday season with some more grooves from the 80's.

Ten 30something year old tunes including Bill Withers, a classic from Nick Straker Band, some Dayton, Grover Washington proteges Pieces of a Dream and topped off with a 'Slave' connection with Steve Washington.

Mr S up soon with his 1st December offering and i'll bring out my annual Xmas soul- tunes mix next week.